Abstract
The epi- and endogeic soil macrofauna from the LTSER sampling area “Matscher Tal/Val Mazia” (South Tyrol, Italy) in summer 2016
The soil fauna on 22 sites in the LTSER area “Matscher Tal/Val Mazia” was investigated in summer 2016. The sites were located along an altitudinal gradient of dry pastures from 1000 to 2500 m, and a land-use transect at 1500 m of intensively managed hay meadows, dry pastures and three forest types (Norway spruce, European larch, and a Swiss stone pine forest at 2000 m). Soil core samples and pitfall traps were used to assess the species composition and abundance of soil invertebrates of these sites; the individuals were identified, where possible, to species level. We found considerable differences in species composition between the sites, with the dry pastures on 1000 m showing the lowest and the dry pastures at 2000 m the highest taxonomic richness. Overall, Araneae were the most abundant taxon, while Diplopoda were found almost exclusively on the forest sites. Several new findings for South Tyrol and Italy were recorded, including Opetiopalpus sabulosus (Coleoptera, Cleridae), a new species for the entire Alpine Space.